Steam Available for Linux

We of the true computing faith that is Linux (a.k.a the superior operating system) always suspected that Valve would hear our cries and give us what we want: Steam support on Linux. Now, we’ve got a dedicated Steam client for Linux, courtesy of the house that Half-Life built.

This past Valentine’s Day, Valve officially launched Steam for Linux, distributing the client for free from the Ubuntu Software Center. The company has also put on a sale for over 50 Linux games at 50 to 75% off until February 21st, so it’s probably best to get a move on and download the client.

Linux users also get a few other treats with their download. First, Team Fortress 2 is now officially available for Steam on Linux, alongside other Valve classics like Half-Life and Counter-Strike: Source. Furthermore, in Team Fortress 2, Linux players earn a free, exclusive in-game item: the lovable Tux, mascot of Linux. Tux can be traded to other players, and can be carried by any of the nine classes.

Additionally, features like Big Picture, the Steam mode supporting TVs and game controllers, have been integrated into Steam on Linux.

Many industry professionals were supportive of this move for Linux support. David Pitkin, Director of Consumer Applications at Canonical, said that this “introduction of Steam to Ubuntu demonstrates growing demand for open systems from gamers and game developers. We expect a growing number of game developers to include Ubuntu among their target platforms.”

Croteam’s CTO, Alen Ladavac, also had a few words on behalf of the studio that birthed Serious Sam. Alen noted Linux’s reputation for accessibility, seeing it as “the indie OS-a perfect home for our indie game.” He went on to discuss how this move ensured that “[their] games are available to everyone, regardless what type of computer they’re running. That’s huge.”

For more information about Steam on Linux, feel free to visit the associated Community Hub at http://steamcommunity.com/linux. And remember, praise Tux! All hail Tux, lord of Linux!